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Ash & Lacy Building Systems Factory

24 February, 2009 | By Jane Carley

Stocking up
ACM, solid steel, copper and aluminium are purchased to order, while Alucobond and Reynobond composite materials are held in stock. Scheduling is very precise, as some materials have a six- to 10-week lead-time. There are eight operators on this line and all apprentices are taught sheet-metal work

The company now called Ash & Lacy Building Systems was founded in 1864 as an engineering company. It specialises in cladding, roofing and ancillary products. After being acquired by the Hill and Smith Group in 2000, Ash & Lacy now contributes a major proportion of the turnover in its parent company¹s construction division.

Ash & Lacy has developed six product ranges, including Ashfix fasteners and accessories, Ashzip standing-seam roofing, Ashtech rainscreen cladding and the Ashjack system for over-roof conversion from flat to pitched roofs. Alongside the West Bromwich headquarters, regional depots in London, Glasgow and Leeds handle manufacture and distribute accessories such as flashings and gutters.

Specification products are manufactured in close collaboration with clients, working to a detailed brief and CAD drawings. Materials are sourced from within the UK where possible, and the company has a sustainable procurement policy including local suppliers.

Corus, Alcoa and Alcan are the major suppliers and partnerships with such market-leaders are the cornerstone of Ashure, a new warranty scheme that covers building envelopes for up to 40 years. By choosing complementary products such as lighting or insulation from Ash & Lacy¹s specified partners, customers can take advantage of the all-inclusive guarantee.

The Ashtech production line, which is detailed on the following pages, takes pre-coated aluminium composite material (ACM) or solid metal-sheet and forms it into rainscreen panels. Finishes such as wood and copper effects and punched or mesh patterns are offered.

Unusual facades can be created by adding horizontal or vertical joining arrangements, shaped or curved panels and louvres, flashing rainwater systems, and a variety of visible or concealed fasteners.

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